Mets Jambalinka: Terry Collins, Charlie Samuels, Ken Boswell

During the offseason, Ryan Braun failed a drug test and was suspended for 50 games. He immediately appealed and this week his suspension was lifted by an arbitrator, supposedly over chain-of-command issues. After the decision, Braun issued the following statement, as originally quoted by AP writer Ronald Blum:

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide,” Braun said in his statement. “I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.”

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that, after being informed of the positive result, Braun asked to have another urine test taken, and that the second test was within normal range.

Jose Bautista has been subject to more “random” drug tests than normal since he started hitting so many homers. Braun should expect to receive the Bautista treatment going forward. Do you think Braun was using and got off on a technicality? If so, do you think he will continue to use and eventually get caught if he indeed has more random tests this year?